Scales and keys

What is a scale?

A scale is a set of notes that sound good together, played in order like a ladder. Most songs stick to the notes of one scale, which is why the melody, the bass and the chords all fit.

The first note of the scale is called the root. It feels like “home”: songs often end on it because it sounds finished.

Major, minor and more

Scales are built from a pattern of half and whole steps. The major scale goes: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. Start on C and that gives you all the white keys, no black ones.

Change the pattern and you change the mood. The major scale sounds bright and happy. The minor scale sounds darker and more emotional, and loads of trap, pop and film music uses it. The pentatonic scale only has 5 notes, and it’s really hard to play a wrong note with it, so it’s great for making up melodies.

Pick a root and a scale below. Its notes light up: play them on the keys or press Play scale.

Keys

When people say a song is “in the key of A minor”, they mean it mostly uses the A minor scale. Once you know the key, you know which notes will sound right for a melody or a bass line.

Quick quiz